New voices needed on village board

There is a saying about leadership that I believe describes the direction Hanover Park should seek in this year's village municipal race: "There is a time to learn, a time to lead, and a time to leave." I support the Daily Herald's endorsement of Roberto Sepulveda, Fanny Lopez Benitez and Herb Porter and believe they will help Hanover Park find its dynamic place in the suburbs.

Roberto and Fanny, new independent candidates, come to us with a history of service, experience with civic duty, and a deep sense of responsibility that calls them to this moment of leadership.

While incumbents James Kemper and Jon Kunkel try to paint this race as one of experience, experience isn't worth much if it's not adaptive or relevant to the changing times. Claiming to be a global village and acting by the words are separate things. A quick search of the incumbents public Facebook page is enough to show their tolerance levels of hate and violence. This is not a good look for a community like ours especially if we want to welcome new businesses and residents to the village. It's time for them to allow new leaders to move our community forward.

Roberto and Fanny have learned leadership throughout their lives as students (University of Chicago, DePaul, Dominican, SMU), as professionals (Fortune 500, Nonprofit Board Experience, public policy, and higher ed institutions) and in their communities as dedicated and tireless advocates.

As "America's Global Village", Hanover Park has a unique set of demographics in its youth and diversity which call for new leadership in our village, one that will be in more regular communication with a community representing 80 nationalities and 30 spoken languages. Roberto and Fanny have that proven ability. Let's support them on April 2.

Arnoldo Fabela

Hanover Park